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Components
for Lay Leaders (Policy-making Volunteers) Seminars/Workshops
(As of September 2000)
Background
Amongst the remarkable characteristics of the YMCA Movement is the
fact that it has developed a multi-faceted and multi-disciplinary
character embracing cross-sectional constituencies as its movemental
base and force. In this, the YMCA, throughout its long history,
has been recognised as a community-based, autonomous grassroots
organisation, led by the Voluntary spirit and spontaneous participation
of its leaders. Thus, the YMCA movement has great human resources
and potentials in view of the participation of lay and volunteer
leaders, not only in its decision-making structures, but also in
its social actions and various programmes.
Keeping
in mind this legacy of the movement, it cannot be overemphasised
that Leadership Development endeavours for Lay Leaders (Policy-making
Volunteers) at all levels should be encouraged and strengthened
as a priority of YMCA work. It is also to be recognised that there
has been a continuous evolution in terms of contextualisation of
the YMCA Mission in response to rapid social changes taking place
at global, national and local levels. In this regard, there is a
pressing need to give special focus on sharing the ongoing interpretation
of YMCA Mission and the movemental thrusts emerging from collective
visioning between YMCA Lay Leaders and Professional Staff, considering
that the effective and harmonious functioning of the "Lay-Professional
Partnership", based on shared responsibility, is essential
for the success and meaningful engagement of the YMCA in community.
Taking
these into consideration, the participants of the Consultation on
Leadership Development, which met in Tozanso, Japan from 5-10 September
2000, strongly felt the need to develop an outline for Lay (Policy-making
Volunteers) Leadership Development. The group, through a process
of deliberation and brainstorming, suggested the following components
as a guideline for Leadership Development of Lay (Policy-making
Volunteers) Leaders in our region.
Purpose
a. To provide YMCA Lay Leaders (Policy-making Volunteers) with
the ongoing interpretation of the YMCA Mission and with other
relevant YMCA materials useful in carrying out the Mission of
the YMCA in the locality/nation where the YMCA exists.
b. To introduce the Lay Leaders to the ideas and concepts relating
to the cultural, socio-economic and political realities of the
people with whom they work, and to enable them to articulate possible
YMCA responses in terms of those realities.
c. To discuss roles and responsibilities of YMCA Volunteers (Lay
Leaders).
Components
1.
Mission of YMCA
To study the Mission and current trends of the YMCA as an Ecumenical
Movement worldwide, and within the specific context of the region.
This study will help participants understand the evolution of contextualisation
of the YMCA Mission in response to their social realities and resultant
challenges.
History and Mission of the YMCA
" YMCA as an Ecumenical Movement
" Historical Development of the Asia/World Alliance of YMCAs:
main concerns, trends and thrusts
" Evolution of YMCA Mission Statement: Paris Basis, Kampala
Principles, Asia and Pacific Alliance Statement of Mission, Challenge
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YMCA Structures
" YMCA Governance Structure and Constituency
" Volunteerism in YMCA and Lay-Professional Partnership
" Concept and Practice of Inter-Movement Cooperation
2. Contemporary Theological Perspectives
To provide an understanding of contemporary Theological thinking
in the context of diverse cultural and historical backgrounds. This
study will introduce participants to a Theological understanding
as it applies to YMCA movement.
Contemporary Theological Perspectives
" Theological bases for YMCA's social involvement
" Historical Review of major Theological Thinking
" The current Ecumenical Thinking with particular reference
to Asia and the South Pacific contexts
Understanding Other Faiths and Cultures
" Understanding the major religions and indigenous cultures
in the country
" Christian witness in a pluralistic society: dialogue and
partnership with people of different Faiths in common search for
a just and compassionate society
3. Social Realities, Issues and Responses (Social Movements)
To develop an understanding of social realities and their impacts
on people's life amidst globalisation, as well as on diverse experiences
and trends of various social movements in responding to major social
issues. This study will also enable participants to understand the
nature and methodologies of current social movements, and to pursue
their possible application to YMCA movement.
Understanding National Social Realities
" Globalization and its impact on people and society
" Socio-political, economic, and cultural realities
" Identifying issues, problems, root causes, and exploring
solutions
Study of Social Movements
" Social trends and secular ideologies
" Civil Society Movements and Civil Society Organisations
(CSOs)
" Public Relations and Networking
4. Roles/Functions of Lay Leaders (Policy-making Volunteers)
To provide knowledge and skills on YMCA organisational development
and management with a view to increasing the capacity to carry out
Missional tasks of the YMCA as Lay Leaders (Policy-making Volunteers).
This study will equip participants with the holistic concept of
"YMCA as an organisation" as well as "movement management"
required to run the YMCA as a Not-for-profit organisation in balance
with movemental dimension of the YMCA.
Understanding YMCA as an Organisation
" Organisational culture of the YMCA : its values and principles
" Capacity building and management development: Strategic
Planning, risk management, etc.
" Financial management: resource mobilization and fund-raising
Lay-Professional Partnership
" Laity in the YMCA Movement
" Roles and functions of Lay Leaders (Policy-making Volunteers)
and Professional Staff in YMCA (Principles of Partnership)
" Toward participatory governance and effective partnership
Methods
1. Orientation Sessions organised by National Council for incoming
Lay Leaders
2. Periodical Seminars and Workshops
3. Consultations and Retreats: focusing on current issues
4. Annual General Meetings/General Assemblies
5. Regional and Sub-regional Gathering organised by The Alliance
6. Joint Forums with Professional Staff: To encourage a mutual
(or collective) learning
National YMCA Basic Leadership Formation: Curriculum for Professional
Staff
(Revised September 2000)
Curriculum for Asia and Pacific YMCA Advanced Studies (Revised September
2000)
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